Swine Flu Cases Confirmed At OSU's Stillwater Campus

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

STILLWATER, OK -- Oklahoma State University health officials confirm Monday afternoon several students have tested positive for the H1N1 virus.

OSU President Burns Hargis sent a note Monday afternoon to give the student body the latest information.  But, most of the students The News On 6 talked to were more concerned about courses like Biology 101, than H1N1.

The Cowboys are back in class and back on campus.  But, an uninvited guest has slipped into the OSU student body.

"Today they contacted us that in fact those samples were positive for H1N1," said Health Services Director Stephen Rogers.

University health officials now believe 10 students were sickened earlier this month with the virus known as swine flu.

"I'm not concerned. I don't think it's gonna come get me. I don't think I'll get sick or anything like that. But, it's definitely a serious illness. But, I'm not worried," said OSU Junior Joshua Hillard.  

Some sophomores who live in sorority housing take a different view.

"I'm nervous because there's a lot of girls. And, that's where it a lot of it broke out was during recruitment. But, so far, no one I know has it," said OSU Sophomore Sarah Elliott.

"I got a B-12 shot just to kind of boost my immune system before I came to school because it makes me worried for school, if I get it. I'd have to miss a lot, which would be bad at the beginning of the semester," added OSU Sophomore Chelsea Canada.

University health officials are stepping up training for employees and their efforts to keep students informed.  While they're making students aware, they don't want anyone to panic.

"The good news is that it is a relatively mild flu, students are getting well in a few days. and that's good," said Health Services Director Stephen Rogers.

Then again, it is just August and the Centers for Disease Control says flu season doesn't usually peak until January.  So, OSU is preparing for a spike in the flu or flu like symptoms.

They're encouraging students to take common sense steps like washing their hands and avoiding close contact with sick people.

Health officials recommend simple precautions to stay healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Eat well and get adequate sleep.